Home to an estimated 1,847 species of birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles as well as 6,505 types of vascular plants, Kenya’s forests are some of the most ecologically diverse on the planet.
Covering over 37 million hectares, these forests sequester enormous amounts of CO2, store rainwater, and provide local livelihoods across the nation. However, in recent decades human activities such as logging, charcoal burning, and illegal agricultural settling has led to widespread deforestation, resulting in an increase in severe drought and extreme poverty.
Here at more trees, we aim to support a reforestation commitment from the Kenyan government to accomplish 10% forest cover.
Kichwa cha Nyoka/Milihoi
Site coordinates: 2°18’0.56”S, 40°43’54.55”E
Planting partner: Eden Reforestation Project
Forest type: Mangrove
Site size: 1,159 Hectares
Community engagement: This project has created 22 working days for an average of 19 local employees per month
Directly translating to “head of the snake”, our Kichwa cha Nyoka planting site is situated along the greater Milihoi channel in Kenya’s historic Lamu County. The vast, coastal landscape is characterised by mangrove estuaries that are home to a diverse array of bird and marine life.
As well as being ecologically significant, these mangrove forests have always played a vital role in the area’s local economy. While local artisans harvest the wood to make dhows (traditional sailing vessels), the wood is widely exported for use in the tanning industry and raw building material. This has resulted in a mosaic of heavily degraded areas that can’t sustain wildlife or the community.
Since Eden’s reforestation efforts began in July 2020, the Kichwa cha Nyoka planting site has planted well over 1 million mangroves in the affected areas. The increased forest density is reducing soil erosion and providing storm surge protection for residents.
Kenya gallery
UN SDGs
By planting trees in Kenya we’re helping support 10 of the 17 UN SDGs:
Goal 1 - No poverty
Hiring community members to reforest mangroves
Goal 2 - Zero hunger
Providing communities with the means to purchase and grow food
Goal 3 - Good health & wellbeing
Providing meaningul work and supportive communities
Goal 5 - Gender equality
Providing women and men with work and the means to support themselves
Goal 8 - Decent work & economic growth
Creating jobs and opportunities to boost the area
Goal 10 - Reduced inequalities
Lifting people out of poverty and allowing them to earn a living
Goal 13 - Climate action
Planting trees that will go on to sequester CO2 in the future
Goal 14 - Life below water
Providing water filtration, improving habitats and regulating rainfall
Goal 15 - Life on land
Reducing flooding, providing habitats and improving soil quality
Goal 17 - Partnership for the goals
Working together to support sustainable development for our planet
UN SDGs
By planting trees in Kenya we’re helping support 10 of the 17 UN SDGs:
Goal 1 - No poverty
Goal 2 - Zero hunger
Goal 3 - Good health & wellbeing
Goal 5 - Gender equality
Goal 8 - Decent work & economic growth
Goal 10 - Reduced inequalities
Goal 13 - Climate action
Goal 14 - Life below water
Goal 15 - Life on land
Goal 17 - Partnership for the goals